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At a time when it is becoming harder for up and coming behind the scenes creatives to earn sufficient funds to forge a sustainable career in the music business, PRS Foundation’s Hitmaker fund serves to address the need to support these creators who are the bedrock of the modern music industry.
The latest recipients are:
- HUMN - Time to create
- Twin Lee – Time to create
- Ben Matravers – Equipment and studio hire
- Adrian McLeod / A Mac – Studio hire
- Glen Roberts - Time to create
"The Hitmaker Fund is an amazing opportunity for writers & producers and I'm so happy and extremely grateful to have been awarded this at such a vital point in my career. This is going to really help push me to the next level. Thank you so much PRS Foundation!"- HUMN
Next Hitmaker round to be a targeted for women and gender minority music creators – applications now open!
Kwame Safo, Grants & Programmes Manager (Industry Funds) at PRS Foundation said, ‘This last round has highlighted that this vital Hitmaker support is not receiving as many applications from the many talented and eligible women and gender minority songwriters and producers that we know are out there in the UK today that can access and benefit from this support.’
In response to the low number of Hitmaker applications from women and gender minority behind the scenes songwriters and producers, the next deadline will be targeted.
Aaron Buckingham, Songwriter and Publishing Relations at Hitmaker fund partner Spotify said, ‘We continue to be excited at the level of talent demonstrated by the songwriters and producers receiving support from the Hitmaker Fund. We are also pleased that the next round will be targeted at women and gender minority creators. Addressing the gender imbalance in the music industry - particularly with regards to encouraging more women and gender minority producers - is incredibly important.’
Applications for Hitmaker support can be summitted now with the deadline of applications on 13 October 2021.
Hitmaker applicants can apply for support for:
- Time to create
- Training / Skills courses at places such as Point Blank / SSE
- Creative / Professional development
- Studio hire
- Purchase of equipment / software / hardware (covers up to 25% of costs)
- Tracking
- UK writing space rental / lease
- Maternity leave and childcare
Applicants will need to submit at least two tracks with registered cuts.
Hitmaker fund
Hitmaker support offers songwriters, producers and music creators working behind the scenes in popular music genres to further develop their careers and writing/production credits with grants of up to £10,000. Under the previous guise of the pilot Writer Producer Fund, Hitmaker has supported talent that has worked with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Paramore, Stormzy, Kylie and many more.
Additionally, supported songwriters and producers have developed into a community of behind-the-scenes music creators, through Hitmaker events and a unique online network designed to connect talent and encourage collaboration.
PRS Foundation’s Hitmaker fund is open to UK based behind-the-scenes songwriters, producers and music creators that have had at least three commercially exploited works, whether performed live, received media coverage, radio play, streams or released via commercial channels.
Spotify is the exclusive digital partner for Hitmaker. The partnership enables more talented producers and songwriters to be supported across the three deadlines in 2021 and a closer working relationship between 2021 supported grantees and the Spotify team for promotional and marketing opportunities.
Spotify’s EQUAL initiative, launched earlier this year, is a global commitment dedicated to fostering equity for women in audio and celebrating their contributions. In addition, their Created By Women playlist - featuring songs 100% written, produced and performed by women – aims to encourage more all-women collaboration.
